The US Technical Championship (USTC), at its core is a technical skills competition. This competition is derived from Rene Meulensteen’s “Moves & Skills” player development method. Rene is the former First Team Coach at Manchester United during their most successful period in the rich history of the club (2008 - 2013) and current assistant coach of the Australian MNT and Olympic Team (2018 - present).
Our 2024 USTC National Finals will be a fantastic 2-day event! Coach Rene Meulensteen will attend the entire event and provide his expertise to all in attendance. Along with Coach Rene's presence, we are also selecting players from this event to play with the Meulensteen Method at two European Youth Tournaments Summer 2025.
What was, and remains, the reason we developed this unique and incredibly valuable event nine years ago?
The current landscape of soccer demands a higher level of technical and tactical ability for players to be successful. Due to the increased athleticism of athletes and increased team defending strategies, players have less time on the ball before being confronted with pressure. It is clear that successful players must be equipped with a superior (first) touch, individual technique to play out of tight spaces, as well as a great ability of reading the game.
The US Technical Championship is a fantastic event for players to learn, practice, and master the wide variety of skill-sets needed to become a complete player. Our event provides the young player a strong foundation they can continue to build from.
We introduce players to the four 1v1 situations and their skill sets, they can use to dominate their opponent. Additionally, participants display their skill in small sided games, showcasing their confidence on the ball with their 1v1 moves along with their ability to use their teammates through passing and receiving options.
Who can enter this competition?
Since the inaugural USTC National Finals event, held in March of 2015 in Lansing, MI., over 10,000 young and aspiring players have entered this event. Participants have come from 28 different states as well as Canada. This competition has an age-requirement as this event is most impactful for players ages U8 - U13. For the 2024 edition the players DOB must be within 2016 - 2011 to be eligible.
Amalia Villarreal, one of our most prolific participants, attended this event six consecutive years and she was a 2x Runner-up and a 2x Grand Champion. Hailing from Lansing, MI and a current member of the U19 USYWNT, she embodied everything the USTC looks for. She has the skill, confidence, creativity, and a tremendous drive to succeed. The past two years she has been our VIP guest coach sharing her experience and continued journey with our participants. Amalia is not only a very gifted player, she is a fantastic motivational speaker and a humble and great person.
Where are these events held?
Since the inaugural USTC National Finals event, held in March of 2015 in Lansing, MI., over 10,000 players have entered this event. Participants have come from 28 different states as well as Canada.
Our regional qualifying events are held at camps and soccer organizations throughout the summer, either by integrating our program into an existing summer camp, or as a one-day event. Our partners include the Paul Snape's Butler Youth Soccer Camps, Indiana Soccer, Dutch Total Soccer, Ohio State Association, along with clubs from around the USA.
We continue to add new locations and you can contact us to host this event at your club!
Contact:
Erwin van Elst
President
Meulensteen Method LLC
USSF A Youth | UEFA B | Meulensteen Method International Instructor
C (616) 334-7208